Question

Show that on a roller coaster with a circular vertical loop, the centripetal force required for a passenger at the top of the loop is provided by:

A) Gravity
B) Friction
C) Tension in the coaster's structure
D) Air resistance

Answer 1

The centripetal force required for a passenger at the top of a circular vertical loop on a roller coaster is provided by the tension in the coaster's structure.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a roller coaster with a circular vertical loop, the centripetal force required for a passenger at the top of the loop is provided by the tension in the coaster's structure. When the roller coaster goes over the top at just the right speed, the tension force acting upward provides the necessary centripetal force to keep the passenger moving in a circular path.

Gravity also acts on the passenger, but it acts downward and is not responsible for the centripetal force in this situation. Friction and air resistance are not significant factors in providing the necessary centripetal force.